KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Fresno Mother Claims Prop 8 Backlash

Fresno Mother Claims Prop 8 Backlash

By Norma Yuriar and Winston Whitehurst

In a letter to parents and teachers at The St. Helen's School in Fresno Robin McGehee says "It is with great regret that I compose this letter.  Because of my decision to speak against a Proposition that would - and has - hurt my family, I have been asked to resign as President of the Parent Teacher Organization."

McGehee and her wife Kathy Adams say they enrolled their 5 year old son Sebastian at St. Helen's and signed up for volunteering duties soon after.  The couple has also been very active in the community, attending rallies supporting same-sex marriage.

According to Adams, McGehee received a phone call from the lead priest at St. Helen's on Tuesday asking her to resign as President of the PTO.

"It's become clear she is being punished for political believes she has expressed outside campus," said Adams.

Aaron Olson, Sebastian's father described McGehee as a community activist who took part in No on Prop 8 rallies, but kept her religious affiliation private.

"I am very upset at the diocese at this point in time," said Olson.

Olson said while it's the Catholic Church's belief a marriage should be between one man and one woman, the teachers and parents at St. Helen's were always very supportive about Sebastian having two moms and two dads.

Adams said McGehee has stepped down at PTO president and the couple has also disenrolled their 5 year old son from St. Helen's.

"We will look to find a school that is a better place for him," said Adams.

KMPH News contact the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno for a response to this story.  Our phone calls have not been returned.